Recycle used, compost-friendly paper towels. They break down very quickly and the earthworms seem to like them. You can also recycle the empty cardboard rollers from the paper towels and toilet paper, as well as newspapers and any other “white” paper that would otherwise be thrown away. See More >

Rising costs at the supermarket and worries about unhealthy pesticides or preservatives on foods has led many people to start a vegetable garden at home.

Growing vegetables is easier than one would think. Plus, you don’t need an expansive plot of land to grow a garden. Many popular varieties can be grown right in containers or in compact spaces.

Perhaps you’re wondering what vegetables are the easiest to grow if this is your first attempt at a food-based garden. There are several to try.

Tomatoes: While commonly considered vegetables, tomatoes are actually fruits. But tomatoes can be an integral part of a vegetable garden. Tomatoes are high in lycopene and other antioxidants. There are also myriad varieties to tempt your palate. Tomatoes can be planted after the soil has thawed and there is no other chance for frost. They’ll require plenty of sunlight. Fruit will be available to harvest toward the latter part of the summer. See More >

Prime before you paint to keep your paint job looking great for years.

One of the easiest home improvement projects—one that will add the most value to your home for the least amount of money—is painting. It’s easy to keep your paint job looking great so it continues to add value to your home for years to come, just do what professional painters do: use one coat of primer and one coat of paint instead of two coats of paint. Here’s why:

Primers hide previous colors—even the darkest blues and deepest reds—far better than paint alone and prevent them from showing through or changing the color of the topcoat. They’ll make your new color look more vibrant and even. Here’s a little secret: By tinting your primer towards your paint color, you’ll use less paint—plus get all the benefits of priming.
Primers work hard to block stains. If you try to cover a stain with a fresh coat of paint, the stain will probably bleed through—no matter how many coats of paint you apply. Quality primers seal in stains and prevent them from ruining your paint job.
Primers prevent common paint problems. Because primers are formulated to prevent problems like cracking, peeling and blistering, they’ll make any painted surface more durable, washable—and last much longer!
Primers provide a sound base for paint. Paint is formulated to provide rich, beautiful color—but don’t expect it to do a primer’s job. High quality primers are rich in resin and provide a firm base for paint to adhere. Primers like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3(R) even stick to glossy, hard-to-paint surfaces without sanding, so you can paint paneling, cabinets, glossy paints, vinyl siding and more. See More >